‘Magic’ Khedira returns to train for Germany

Out-of-contract midfieler Sami Khedira returned to training for Germany on Tuesday despite missing the last week with Real Madrid through a stomach bug.

Khedira has been called-up for international duty with the world champions this week but he did not train at Valdebebas last week, owing to what the club described as a stomach bug. He was not part of the squad that travelled to Barcelona for the Clasico on Sunday.

The former Stuttgart man has long been linked with a move away from the European champions but this latest episode will add fuel to the fire.

Spanish television channel Cuatro reported that Schalke have agreed a deal with the player and have asked Madrid not to play him before he makes his move to Gelsenkirchen.

The words of Barca midfielder Xavi will also ring in the ears of Madridistas after he declared in an interview with the club’s television channel that a ‘stomach bug’ was more often than not used as an excuse for players.

Madrid will watch on with interest to see if he features in a friendly for Germany against Australia on Wednesday night, or if he plays in the Euro 2016 qualifying match against Georgia.

A qualified sports journalist based in Madrid, working for AS English, Real Madrid correspondent for ESPN and freelance for companies including AFP, The Independent (UK) and BetBright amongst others. Follow me on Twitter @nicholasrigg.